Mean electromotive force in turbulent shear flow.

Abstract

We consider the mean electromotive force in turbulent shear flow taking into account the stretching of turbulent magnetic field lines by the mean flow. The mean flow can change the properties of magnetohydrodynamics-turbulence in such a way that turbulent motions become suitable for the dynamo action. The contribution of shear to the mean electromotive force cannot be described in terms of the alpha effect. The instability of the mean field arises if shear is sufficiently strong. The growth rate of instability depends on the length scale of the mean field being higher for the field with a smaller length scale. The considered mechanism may be responsible for the generation of large-scale magnetic fields in various astrophysical bodies (galaxies, accretion discs, jets, etc.).